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Cairnlea suburb profile

Cairnlea is a modern suburb located 17km northwest of Melbourne's CBD, known for its well-planned residential areas and green spaces. Developed in the early 2000s, Cairnlea offers a mix of contemporary homes and townhouses, attracting families and professionals seeking a suburban lifestyle with urban conveniences. The suburb features the picturesque Cairnlea Park and Brimbank Park, providing ample recreational opportunities. With its proximity to major roads and public transport, Cairnlea ensures easy access to the city and surrounding areas. Its community-oriented atmosphere and growing amenities make it an appealing choice for residents looking for a balanced lifestyle.

Cairnlea property market performance

Current median dwelling price$692,937.5Past 3 months

Property growth+2.8%Past 12 months

Cairnlea’s property market has shown positive growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 7.6%, bringing the median house price to approximately $970,250. The unit market, however, has remained stagnant with no change in median value. Over the last three months, 24 houses and 7 units have been sold, indicating a stronger demand for houses.

Houses in Cairnlea are selling relatively quickly, with a median of 24 days on the market, while units are taking significantly longer at 79 days, suggesting a slower pace in the unit market. The rental market has seen moderate increases, with house rents rising by 3.8% and unit rents by 7.2%, reflecting a steady demand for rental properties in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$970KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
7.6%-2.0%
Sold
Past 3 months
247
Median days on market
Past 12 months
2479
Average rent
Past 12 months
$600$493
Change in rent
Past 12 months
3.8%7.2%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Cairnlea demographics

Cairnlea, located in Melbourne's western suburbs, is a family-friendly area known for its spacious parks and modern amenities. With a population of 10,038 and a median age of 36, it attracts a mix of young families and professionals seeking a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the city. The suburb's proximity to major roads and public transport options makes it convenient for commuting, while its local schools and shopping centers cater to the needs of its residents.

The housing landscape in Cairnlea is predominantly owner-occupied, with 33.8% of properties owned outright and 50.8% owned with a mortgage. This reflects a stable community with a strong sense of home ownership. Only 15.4% of properties are rented, indicating a preference for long-term residency among its inhabitants. The suburb's family-oriented nature is further highlighted by the fact that 57.4% of households are couple families with children, making it an ideal location for those looking to raise a family in a supportive environment.

Cairnlea's community is diverse, with a mix of cultural backgrounds contributing to its vibrant atmosphere. The suburb's parks and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities, while local events and community groups foster a sense of belonging among residents. With a median household income of $2,062 per week, Cairnlea offers a comfortable standard of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle in Melbourne's growing western corridor.

Cairnlea infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Cairnlea is in its final phase of long-term redevelopment on land formerly used as the Albion Explosives Factory, with Development Victoria planning around 500 new homes and associated public realm upgrades across approximately 41 hectares along Cairnlea Drive and Ballarat Road.[4] This last stage of remediation and regeneration is expected to increase local housing supply, modernise the suburb’s built form, and enhance nearby open space, which may support both buyer demand and future capital growth.[4]

The suburb already benefits from strong road connectivity via the M80 and Ballarat Road, providing convenient access to major employment centres, which underpins its appeal to commuting households.[3][4] As the final development stage progresses and integrates with existing parks, walking tracks and established amenities, overall livability in Cairnlea is likely to improve further, reinforcing its position as a sought-after residential location.[4]

Cairnlea rental market trends

The rental market in Cairnlea has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 3.8% over the past year to $600 per week, while unit rents have seen a more significant rise of 7.2% to $493 per week. This suburb continues to attract renters and investors alike, offering a balanced mix of affordability and potential for future growth.

Suburbs near Cairnlea

Some popular suburbs near Cairnlea include:

How does Cairnlea compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Cairnlea’s median house price is 35.9% higher than Albanvale’s.
  • Median unit prices: Cairnlea’s median unit price is 16.9% lower than St Albans’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Cairnlea have grown 1.5% higher than in Deer Park.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby St Albans have risen 9.6% more than in Cairnlea over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Cairnlea are selling 35.1% faster than in St Albans.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby St Albans are selling 62.0% faster than in Cairnlea.
  • Investment considerations: In Cairnlea, the rental yield for house is 4.5% lower than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 15.6% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Cairnlea have grown 9.3% lower than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Cairnlea have grown 30.5% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Cairnlea

  • Is Cairnlea a nice place to live?

    Cairnlea is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it a wonderful place to live. Its well-planned residential areas and abundant green spaces create a serene environment that is particularly appealing to families. The suburb is known for its community-oriented atmosphere, where residents enjoy a balanced lifestyle with access to modern amenities. Cairnlea's proximity to major roads and public transport ensures that commuting to Melbourne's CBD and surrounding areas is a breeze, adding to its appeal for professionals and families alike.

    The suburb's vibrant community is enriched by a mix of cultural backgrounds, contributing to a lively and welcoming vibe. Families will find Cairnlea particularly attractive due to its spacious parks and recreational facilities, which provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and family outings. Local schools and shopping centers cater to the needs of residents, ensuring that everything is within easy reach. Safety is generally not a major concern, and the suburb's strong sense of community fosters a supportive environment for raising children.

    While Cairnlea offers many advantages, there are a few trade-offs to consider. The ongoing redevelopment and expansion may lead to increased traffic and construction noise in the short term. However, these developments are expected to enhance the suburb's livability in the long run, with improved housing options and upgraded public spaces. For those seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle, Cairnlea presents an attractive option with its blend of modern living and community spirit.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Cairnlea?

    Living in Cairnlea, an outer suburb of Melbourne, can be seen as moderately expensive, especially when considering the property market. The current median house price in Cairnlea is around $970,250. This figure is quite substantial compared to the Victorian state average wage of about $90,000 per year. For those looking to rent, the average rent for houses is $600 per week, while units, although less prevalent, average around $493 per week.

    When you look at the median total household income in Cairnlea, which is approximately $2,062 per week, it suggests that while the suburb is not the most expensive in the Melbourne area, it still requires a fair portion of household income to cover housing costs. This is particularly true for those purchasing homes, as the property prices are significant compared to the average earnings in the state.

    Overall, if you are thinking of living in Cairnlea, it's important to weigh the cost of housing against your income. While it offers the benefits of suburban living with access to Melbourne's amenities, the cost of buying or renting a home is a key factor to consider in your decision-making process.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
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  • Is Cairnlea a good place to invest?

    Cairnlea presents an intriguing opportunity for property investors, particularly those interested in a balanced approach between capital growth and rental yield. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a 7.6% increase in median house values, which indicates a healthy demand for houses and potential for capital appreciation. While unit values have remained stable, the rental market for units has seen a significant 7.2% increase, suggesting strong demand from renters and a potential for solid rental returns.

    The suburb's appeal lies in its ability to offer both growth and stability. The increase in house values suggests a robust market, while the steady unit prices paired with rising rents highlight a demand for affordable rental options. This makes Cairnlea a versatile choice for investors who are looking to diversify their portfolio with both houses and units. The suburb's family-friendly environment and proximity to essential amenities further enhance its attractiveness, ensuring a steady influx of renters and buyers alike.

    Overall, Cairnlea offers a promising investment landscape with its combination of capital growth in houses and strong rental demand for units. This dual appeal makes it a compelling option for investors seeking both immediate rental income and long-term property appreciation.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Cairnlea

There are 44 real estate agents in Cairnlea, but they don’t all deliver the same results.

Some agents have a much stronger presence in the suburb, with just 5 agents handling around 60.7% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Cairnlea typically range from 1.99% to 2.62%. Comparing agents—including what they charge, what’s included, and how they structure their fees—is not only important when choosing an agent, the right structure can help ensure your chosen agent is motivated to achieve the best possible result.

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